Creek Edges Douglas

It was a shout by midfielder Eric Richards that made the difference in Coconut Creek`s 2-1 soccer victory over Douglas on Tuesday night.

Richards was closing in on goal from the right wing when he saw Robin Foertig gain control of the ball in front of the Douglas net. Foertig was challenged by a defender, but when he heard Richards shout he made a blind pass to Richards, who kicked the ball into the net behind goalkeeper Jim Sebest.

``I called for the ball and Robin took a quick touch and made a nice pass,`` Richards said of the goal that gave Coconut Creek a 1-0 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

Each team made a penalty kick in the second half to complete the scoring, but Creek was thwarted on numerous scoring opportunities. Sebest made 11 saves, several of them outstanding, while Cougars keeper Josh Kimmel was rarely challenged. He was credited with four saves.

``It was a big game for us,`` Cougar coach Mike Bobby told his players. ``But we have to take better advantage of our opportunities. We created many beautiful opportunities.``

Bobby said he had been expecting a physical game. ``But it was a very attractive game to watch. Both teams played with a lot of skill. (Sebest) made a couple of beautiful saves on breakaways.``

Creek (4-0-1) increased its lead to 2-0 in the second half on a penalty kick by Dave Magli after a flagrant foul in the Douglas goal area.

The Douglas (4-1-1) goal resulted from a curious call by the officials. Kimmel, standing with the ball in his hands near his goal, was called for a foul when he raised his arms to ward off an approaching Douglas player. Although the action had stopped, with the ball in Kimmel`s hands, the referee awarded a penalty kick and Jeff Zupan converted with seven minutes remaining in the game.

The Cougars stalled out the final seven minutes.

MORE BOYS` SOCCER

South Plantation 3, St. Thomas 1: Brian Cahen, Brian Hardy and Nigel Simms each scored a goal for South Plantation (6-1). Mike Mellies and Ryan Utsman added assists. Clark Langley had 5 saves and Brian Horner had 3 saves in goal for the Paladins. Gary Schultheis scored for St. Thomas.

Cooper City 6, Dillard 1: Corey Hurst scored 3 goals and had an assist to lead the Cowboys (4-0). Mark Hoyt, Gabe Vidal and Joel Tynes each added a goal and John Valenti added 2 assists. Tom Rivera had 5 saves for the Cowboys.

Taravella 1, Plantation 0: David Salomon scored for the Trojans (2-2-1). Brent Snyder and David Cardona combined for the shutout in goal.

Westminster Academy 6, Hollywood Christian 1: Jason Chambeau scored 4 goals for the Lions (2-3). Mike Kurtigis made a goal and had 2 assists, and Barry Strand had a goal for Lions. The Challengers are 0-6.